Running Directional Tires Backwards

[67rally]

I have a track day coming up in two weeks, and this course tends to eat front right tires. I've searched and searched, but it seems like most internet information is just guesswork from people that have no real world experience. SO...



Is it ok to run directional tires the wrong direction on a completely dry course? I know there is a big benefit to water channeling, but how about dry traction? Tires are Nitto 555's, and they are staggered front to rear, so I can't just rotate them front to back. I would just run them in reverse for one track day to even out the wear. If not, I can have them unmounted and swapped to the other side, running the insides out, and outsides in.

Educated thoughts?

[dontlifttoshift]

I've done it with Bridgestones.

There are two factors. Is it raining? Directional tread will not be happy in the rain backwards. You got that handled.

Can the carcass run backwards? I would call Nitto on that but it is usually a non issue.

[67rally]

I've done it with Bridgestones.

There are two factors. Is it raining? Directional tread will not be happy in the rain backwards. You got that handled.

Can the carcass run backwards? I would call Nitto on that but it is usually a non issue.

Thanks Donny. I haven't had good luck with Nitto customer service in the past. I won't call them again.

Last time I tried to get an answer out them, they couldn't give me a straight answer on the phone. So I sent them a series of emails trying to get a baseline psi recommendation for the Nitto 555's at an AutoX event...they finally said that the 555's were a street tire, and to use whatever psi I felt most comfortable with and they wouldn't recommend running a lower pressure than for daily street use or something like that.

Just figured I'd ask for advice from people who have actually driven their cars on a track, I can guarantee that Nitto will say they don't recommend running their tires in the wrong direction if they can't recommend changing tire pressures.

[BMR Sales]

Def Leppard's Drummer Rick Allen had Directional tires installed backwards on his Corvette when he wrecked and lost his Arm.

Dry Performance should be close, but I would not drive them in the wet.

The other thing I would be concerned about is if the Tires have a lot of miles on them is the Internal Belts. These set in one direction and if turned, may have an issue. No problems on a New Tire but,

[minendrews68]

Def Leppard's Drummer Rick Allen had Directional tires installed backwards on his Corvette when he wrecked and lost his Arm.

Dry Performance should be close, but I would not drive them in the wet.

The other thing I would be concerned about is if the Tires have a lot of miles on them is the Internal Belts. These set in one direction and if turned, may have an issue. No problems on a New Tire but,

And is still one heck of a drummer!

[raustinss]

I'd be calling any manufacturer and ask them ....my two cents, not on your life would I do it , I had a tire blow at speed (120 km ish )once (correctly installed ) caused couple grand damage and almost made me mess my drawers

[dontlifttoshift]

What has nine arms and sucks.......


Again, it depends on how the carcass is wound. A BFG Rival doesn't know if it is on the right front or left front and doesn't care.....same carcass as the Comp2 which has a directional tread.

[raustinss]

True....i look at it this way ....the manufacturer made it directional for a reason and I don't want to risk it. Better safe then sorry right

[67rally]

8,000 miles on the tires, still very good tread, it's just the outer shoulder that's gotten worn from a few track days. From my research it sounds like the real benefit to directional tires is the wet weather traction/water shedding ability.

Long range forecast has a slight chance of showers. So it looks like I'll have the two front tires dismounted from the wheels and swapped from left to right, so they are still facing the correct direction, but with a fresh outside shoulder. Thanks guys.

[67rally]

I ended up having the tires unmounted from the wheels and swapping the tires from left to right side. Kept them facing the right direction but giving myself a fresh outside edge.

[BMR Sales]

good